Length6h 4m
About this audiobook
'A man is not really awake unless he is insane.'
First published in 2012,
Manalive is G.K. Chesterton's thoroughly entertaining romp through an old-fashioned English boarding house. It has been adapted several times for the big screen.
Innocent Smith, an eccentric man with a mysterious past, moves into a quiet boarding house. At first, Smith breathes a new lease of life into his fellow residents' lives with his peculiar games and daring antics, transforming their everyday experiences into opportunities for adventure and meaning. However, almost imminently after his arrival, two doctors appear with some unfortunate news: Smith is wanted for burglary, polygamy and attempted murder. Unnerved by the accusation, Smith begins to fire several shots from a revolver, seemingly confirming his guilt. But it is only during his trial where it's revealed that there may just be method to Smith's madness… Thoughtful, playful and a celebration of human vitality,
Manalive is Chesterton's appreciation of discovering the wonder in everyday life. This audiobook edition is skilfully narrated by Jonathan Keeble.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English novelist, philosopher, journalist and critic. A Christian apologist, he is famed for creating the fictional priest-detective Father Brown. His writing was also renowned for his sense of humour: known as 'the prince of paradox', Chesterton often turned common sayings upside down. Admired by several of his literary contemporaries, Chesterton's work is still widely read today.
Audiobook details
GenreGeneral Fiction
Length6 hrs 4 mins
Narrated byMark Elstob
FormatAudiobook
Publish dateApr 2, 2026
LanguageEnglish
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